Kennedy Nyarko Osei, the Minority’s Ranking Member of the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament, has raised concerns over transparency, funding, and project continuity across Ghana’s road, rail, aviation, and maritime sectors.

In his address, Nyarko emphasised that the road and transport sector remains a cornerstone of national development—facilitating trade, connecting communities, and supporting industrial activity.

He noted that while the “Big Push” programme—a flagship initiative of the current administration—has the potential to improve connectivity, serious concerns persist regarding contract transparency, fiscal commitment, and implementation credibility.

Transparency in the Big Push programme

The Minority is urging the government to publish full details of the 50 road projects under the “Big Push” initiative, including contractor identities, scope of work, and cost per kilometre. Nyarko stressed that established benchmarks for road construction costs exist and should guide public scrutiny to ensure accountability.

“Even after contract awards, they should be advertised. Ghanaians have the right to know how about GH¢50 billion of public funds are being allocated,” he stated.

Abandoned projects and missed opportunities

Nyarko expressed concern over the abandonment of more than 80% of ongoing road projects inherited from the previous administration, including eight bypasses along the Accra–Kumasi corridor. He warned that such discontinuity leads to inefficiencies, rising costs, and lost socio-economic benefits.

Railway development at a standstill

The Minority also criticised what it described as a decline in government commitment to railway infrastructure. Key projects, including the Tema–Mpakadan railway line and the Kojokrom–Manso railway line, remain idle despite prior investments exceeding USD 1.1 billion.

Complementary facilities necessary for full operational value have also been neglected, undermining Ghana’s long-term rail modernisation goals.

Road maintenance financing crisis

Nyarko highlighted a major financing gap at the Ghana Road Maintenance Trust Fund, noting approximately GH¢20 billion in arrears, with only GH¢1 billion released from a GH¢5.8 billion allocation.

He called for urgent measures to clear arrears, restore contractor confidence, and explore innovative financing options such as road infrastructure bonds.

Major road projects under scrutiny

The proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway and the Suame Interchange were cited as projects requiring greater transparency and adherence to original plans.

Nyarko questioned the lack of disclosed costs, compensation frameworks, and budget allocations, stressing that public funds must be used efficiently and in the national interest.

Aviation and maritime concerns

In the aviation sector, delays in implementing the Ho Airport pilot training academy, the Prempeh I Airport runway extension, and Tamale International Airport Phase 3 development were flagged as missed opportunities to maximise existing infrastructure.

The Minority also raised concerns over disputes between Ghana Airports Company Limited and McDan Aviation, urging a constructive resolution to protect indigenous investment.

In the maritime sector, failure to operationalise the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, has resulted in additional surcharges on importers and exporters, undermining regulatory objectives.

Call for accountability

Nyarko concluded by urging the government to improve transparency in project financing, accelerate stalled transport initiatives, and ensure all commitments are backed by clear implementation plans and budgets.

He emphasised that these interventions are critical to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and advancing national development.

“Infrastructure development requires long-term planning, stable financing, and consistent implementation across successive administrations,” he said.

The Minority on the Roads and Transport Committee reaffirmed its commitment to constructive oversight and continued engagement with stakeholders to ensure Ghana’s transport sector develops sustainably.